GULU CITY MARATHON 2024 LAUNCHED

Some members of orgainizng committee of the Gulu city Marathon during a press conference at Gulu Inn Hotel. photo by Proscia Achomo

By Proscovia Achomo

Gulu

The first ever edition of the Gulu city marathon that will take place on Saturday December 7, 2024 under the theme “Running for Culture and Heritage has been launched.

Francis Gimara, the chairperson steering committee, highlighted that this marathon was initiated by a running club in Kampala, The First and Furious Running club in 2019 and as a result of the demand by the participants to make it bigger.

He revealed that this event aims not only to be a sporting competition but also a celebration of Gulu city`s rich cultural roots and historical significance, offering a unique and pleasant experience for all participants. “We want to celebrate this city which for many years was known as an epic centre of the LRA war and other things, is now back to life,” he remarked.

He encouraged Ugandans to participate in the marathon as a means of not only enjoying the magnificent touristic sceneries, but also as a way of supporting the local economy.

David Labeja, a member of the steering committee, highlighted that the marathon will welcome everyone, from professional athletes to running devotees across numerous categories starting with full marathon 42km, half marathon 21km,10km and 5km family run, with registration going for 60,000/= inclusive of a vest and a water bottle.

He also revealed that about 500-1000 people are expected to participate, with hopes of making it one of the biggest social events in Northern Uganda in the next few years.

Christine Lutara, a committee member revealed, this marathon aims to raise funds for educational initiatives and create awareness about the importance of education in empowering the youth of Gulu City.

According to Lutara, the charitable aspect of the event shall witness 10% of the proceeds benefit the Dero Kwan (Acholi scholarship fund) an Initiative dedicated to enhancing education in Northern Uganda.

“A lot of thinking is now happening in Acholi, that we need to educate the young ones, every support is necessary and since we are all coming together under our leaders to work as ROCO PACO, and one of the initiatives is DERO KWAN, education is very important and participating in the marathon will offer participants with an opportunity of contributing to revamp education in Northern Uganda” Lutara noted.

The two-day event will start with a cultural banquet, showcasing the rich traditions of the acholi people including the cultural dances, traditional foods, folk songs and poems followed by marathon.

Top runners will be awarded with medals and cash.

The marathon will start and finish at Kaunda Grounds, with participants running through key landmarks in Gulu City, including Customs corner, Layibi, Gulu university, Kitgum road, Unyama, the Gulu City Main Market and other routes.
 
 

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